Had never drunk here before but now I have moved back to the area and was meeting a friend for a meal in the Italian I thought i'd pop in here to have a swift half.

Really wished I hadn't!

Even entering the place was mildly intimidating as had to almost barge past a group of heavy looking Eastern Europeans standing smoking at the door.

Inside it was dead. And i mean DEAD. There was noone in the place atall, apart from the group of Eastern Europeans when they re-entered. I noticed the TVs appeared to be set to Eastern European channels too so get the impression the bar is now catering to a largely Polish (?) clientele.

From the paintings of guitars on the facade it looks like some sort of student union and I saw a live listing on the wall so can only surmise they hold concerts somehwere else in the building. There is what looks like a real Phoenix Nights type club round the back where I had parked my car. Dread to think what that is like.

Incidentally, my friend who I met for the meal told me that the building features on the cover of a Kinks LP, so prhaps that is why it seems to be 'rock' themed. Can't think why else. With only one ale on as opposed to the pumps of fizzy yellow and no pub grub that I could see. I can't think of anything to tempt me back either.

This place benefits from the fact that it is significantly better than its neighbouring pubs, and attracts a much younger crowd then the nearby Lion or Whiitington Stone (not hard admittedly). When bands are playing at the weekend its worth a visit, but is best avoided when quieter during the week as the quality of beer is variable at best. Has always had potential, but as yet it remains mostly unfulfilled.